Friday, November 13, 2015

Lendal Bridge, York, England, Anglophile Friday

Lendal Tower (left)

which has been standing since about 1300

Bridges seem to fascinate me, and it appears, according to my photo files, that I took several photos of this particular bridge in York, England, the Lendal Bridge over the River Ouse (pronounced 'ooze,' or perhaps it rhymes with 'youse,' a word you might find in the NE part of the country.) It flows SSE through York and into the Humber before emptying into the North Sea. Below is a short history of the bridge, stolen from another website, but when hunting for the history, I found that others had stolen it too, so I'm not sure of the actual origin of the information.

If I have labeled anything incorrectly, please have mercy because I'm only an American tourist, after all - and feel free to kindly correct me.

From historyofyork.org.uk:

1861AD - 1863AD

"Lendal Bridge was the second of the three modern road bridges built over the River Ouse at York (the first beingOuse Bridge which has existed since as early as the ninth century).

"The bridge replaced an earlier ferry service, which had operated from Barker Tower, on the south-west bank, to Lendal Tower. The advent of the railways in York in the first half of the nineteenth century made the ferry service busier than ever with passengers wanting to cross the river going to and from York’s original railway station in Tanner Row.

Barker Tower

"This river-side tower was built in the 14th century.

It was positioned at the boundary of the medieval

city-centre and, in conjunction with Lendal Tower

on the opposite bank, was used to control

river traffic entering the city.

A great iron chain was stretched across the river

between the two towers

and boatmen had to pay a toll to cross it.

The chain also served as a defence for the city."

"A bridge to replace the Lendal ferry service was first suggested in 1838 but responsibility for its construction became a point of controversy between the Corporation of York and the railway companies. After much debate, the Lendal Bridge and York Improvement Act was finally passed in 1860 and the foundation stone of the original bridge, designed by William Dredge, was laid later that year.

Barker Tower, now 'The Perky Peacock'

"Then disaster struck. In 1861 the original bridge collapsed during construction, killing five men. The bridge was redesigned and finally opened in 1863. The new architect, brought in after the failed first attempt, was Thomas Page, who also designed Skeldergate Bridge in York and Westminster Bridge in London.

Looking Northeast

"Lendal Bridge is an iron bridge with details in the Gothic style popular in Victorian England. The ornate parapet of the bridge features the white rose of York, the crossed keys of the Diocese of York and the lions of England. Additional ironwork includes York’s coat of arms and the initials V & A, representing Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

York's Coat of Arms

plus

Initials V&A (for Victoria & Albert)

View from the Bridge

"The new bridge put the ferryman out of business. Records show that he received compensation of 15 pounds and a horse and cart.

Now 'Circles Cafe'

"A toll was charged to cross the new bridge to help pay for its construction. The charge was half a penny for foot passengers, a penny for animals and twopence for horse-drawn vehicles. The two small toll-houses can still be seen today, now housing cafés. The last toll was charged in 1894."

***

The charge at the toll house is considerably more these days.

***

Also, I was curious about the name origin. From the ever-reliable Wikipedia is the following information, for what it's worth:"The origin of the name is uncertain. The name was first recorded in about 780 as Usa. It has been speculated that the name is of Celtic origin, from an assumed word udso-, assumed to be derived from the Indo-European root wed-, meaning "water". Other sources prefer a pre-Celtic or pre-Indo European origin."

26 comments:

That was a fascinating post about the bridge, and how dramatic that it collapsed during construction, and I like how the two toll houses are now cafes. Imagine the Tower being built in the 1300s. Wow, so ancient and holding so many stories within it.

While I think the United States has much beauty, these old towns with their bridges and stonework are exceptionally nice. And you could have written anything, I know nothing about this part of the world! Ha!

Great photos of the York area and bridge. Poor guy didn't get much for his ferry business. I wish we had more time when we visited York! Research is difficult and often contradicts itself. It's hard to tell what is the gospel. Thank you for taking me to beautiful York, Judy. sigh... ♥

Now, I think referring to yourself as 'only' an American tourist is being somewhat disingenuous*; you know more about Britain, and particularly England, than many - or even most - of us natives. I appreciate pride is a sin and all that, but, really... So - great post, as usual. I know what you mean about bridges - perhaps there's an elegance there, or maybe something to do with joining together. And I also share your fascination with the origins of place names - amusing to think that some major city started off as a clearing in a forest farmed by Brian (or whatever). *PS 'Only' American? I can't imagine describing myself as 'only' a British tourist when visiting the USA...or anywhere else...Hope all is good with you.

I love that you share what you know with us, Judy. Many, like me, will just live vicariously through your posts and tour of that beautiful country. Love the bridge pictures. They are always fascinating to me. xo Diana

i like bridges too!! sometimes i look at them and daydream about when they were built, what was involved....the men, the cranes, it all fascinates me. they are rebuilding the tappanzee bridge here on the east coast. we have traveled it several times during the construction and i am awestruck!!!! i think it was the toll area that had such a castle feel.

Such beautiful photos and more cool history! Love these friday adventures Judy and where you take me. I think it's lovely that you have a fascination with bridges too. Besides being beautiful, maybe there's meaning there too? Bridges can symbolize transition, obstacles etc - but I think they also can symbolize hope and optimism. Love that.

I know I am very proud of this fair Isle but I must have crossed that bridge many times and not thought of the history behind it (which isn't really me). It's a shame that sometimes we cross these amazing feats of engineering and not give them a second thought. Thank you so much for the history on this bridge. I love that it was designed by an architect who designed one of the Thames bridges. Thank you and have a lovely weekend x

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